Tesla’s vision for a robotaxi fleet, led by CEO Elon Musk, has sparked interest and debate among investors and industry experts. The concept involves Tesla owners renting out their cars to the company’s robotaxi fleet, potentially earning a significant income.
The Robotaxi Business Model
The business model is designed to function like a combination of Airbnb and Uber. Tesla will own a portion of the fleet, while individual customers can add or subtract their vehicles from the robotaxi fleet at will, earning a payout for each rental. Riders can summon a car using the Tesla App, with the company aiming to launch a ride-hail service in Texas and California next year, subject to regulatory approval.
Potential Earnings for Tesla Owners
According to Gary Black, Managing Partner of The Future Fund, Tesla owners could potentially earn $40,000 per year by renting their car to the fleet. This estimate is based on the following assumptions:
- 25 trips per day
- 6 miles per trip
- $1 per mile
- 75% payout to car owners
Industry Reaction and Challenges
Not everyone is convinced about the feasibility of Tesla’s robotaxi fleet. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has expressed doubts about whether car owners will want to rent their cars to strangers, citing concerns about maintenance, insurance, and user experience. Additionally, building cars and operating a taxi fleet are “very very different” businesses, with unique challenges and requirements.
Regulatory Approval and Rollout
Tesla is working to obtain regulatory approval for its robotaxi fleet, with plans to launch in Texas and California next year. The company is also in talks with authorities in Austin, Texas, to roll out its autonomous vehicles for testing as early as 2025.
Conclusion
Tesla’s robotaxi fleet concept has the potential to revolutionize the way people move around, while also providing a new revenue stream for Tesla owners. However, the company faces significant challenges and regulatory hurdles before it can bring this vision to life. As the mobility landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Tesla’s robotaxi fleet concept unfolds and whether it can overcome the doubts and concerns expressed by industry experts.